Thursday Thirteen #13

13 of my favorite quotes from George Washington's book:

"RULES of CIVILITY & DECENT BEHAVIOUR in Company and Conversation"

This book was real. George Washington carried it with him in his coat pocket where ever he went. He exhibited notable manners throughout his life and practicing decent behaviour was at the top of his list! He wrote these down when he was just 14 years old. Oh boy...if only kids today would care so much about manners and decent behaviour at that young age it would be a different world!

Keep in mind that these were written around 1746, so they may sound silly to us in the 21st century! Ahh, that's why I love them so much!!! (The capital words are not my errors, that's how they're written).

1. When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.

2. Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Dressed.

3. Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs roll not the Eyes lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.

4. In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physician if you be not Knowing therein.

5. Wear not your Cloths, foul, ripped or Dusty but See they be Brushed once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.

6. Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking your Arms kick not the earth with R feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.

7. Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Asked & when desired do it briefly.

8. Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others.

9. Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously.

10. Being Set at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it.

11. If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self.

12. Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others.

13. When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously & with reverence. Honor & obey your natural parents although they be poor.

Oh I absolutely love number 13, especially that last part..."although they be poor"! George did meal well in all his rules. He tried to be the best he could be when others were around. He tried to be honest, loyal, civil and respectful. Those rules, as out-dated as they may seem, are good enough to use today. I purchased a nice hard cover copy of the book and read them with my children. Yes, they giggle at most of them, but we try to re-word them so they're appropriate for today's time. Try it with your kids...here's a link to where you can read the entire list online.